Back to School Survival Guide from A to Z

The school year is fast approaching and with the past year having been virtual, many students might need a little extra guidance on getting back into the swing of things. It’s time to take back to school prep to the next level.

Follow our A-Z back to school survival guide to ensure you’re ready for whatever this semester has in store.

A - Agenda
Keep track of daily and weekly assignment due dates in your agenda to avoid missing deadlines and having points taken off.

B - Backpack Essentials
Some school days will feel very long, so you’ll want to come prepared. Make sure you have all necessary supplies for your classes - a snack, water bottle, headphones, mask, a jacket, possibly an umbrella depending on the weather, and your phone and phone charger in case you need them throughout the day.

C - Calendar
Your entire routine is about to change, so consider purchasing a dry erase calendar for your room! This will help you to prioritize and keep track of your school engagements, plus outside of school activities; like sports, events, etc.

D - Desk
Ready your desk at home for homework hours! Gather all necessary supplies and set yourself up a neat and organized desk area. The more organized your homework/study space is, the more likely you will use it productively.

E - Electives
Take advantage of school electives and enroll in something you really enjoy! Most schools require 2-4 electives to graduate so why not take something fun, like yoga or home economics?

F - Flashcards
Use index cards for exam prep! Flash card decks are great for helping you understand and memorize the course material. Once you’ve gotten the same card correct more than twice, take it out of the deck.

G - Guidance Counselor
School can be overwhelming in the beginning weeks, so it’s always a good idea to meet with your Guidance Counselor/Advisor. They can help you pick or switch classes based on your interests, help set your goals, help apply to colleges, and provide guidance if you are feeling stressed.

H - Highlighting
Textbooks contain a lot of information, sometimes more than you need to know for your class. Read over the pages, then go back and highlight the key points to help you better prepare for quizzes and tests.

I - Internships
Connections and experiences you make through internships will help you launch your career and build your resume.

J - Job Boards
The student center or office at your school probably has a bulletin board with local job postings if you’re looking to make some extra cash or build up  your resume.

K - Keyboard
You’re going to be doing a lot of typing pretty soon! Make sure your laptop/computer is up to date with the latest software and you have Microsoft Office or an alternative system installed and ready to go for all of your papers, powerpoints, and projects.

L - Library
Get familiar with your school or local library. Many classes require primary sources for essays and projects that you will need to cite from books in order to complete the assignment.

M - Map
To avoid getting lost on your first day, map out your route to and from classes. It’s a good idea to actually walk them before your first day so you know exactly where you’re going and how much time it takes to get there.

N - Note Taking
Taking notes by hand helps you process and information and increases  your ability to recall  key discussion points. Find out which note-taking method works best for your understanding of the material here.

O - Orientation
Whether you have an official orientation (college freshmen) or just a “back to school” assembly- make sure you attend and listen intently. This year in particular, there will be new rules and protocols to keep all students healthy and safe.

P - Pens/Pencils
Have a pen and pencil ready. We know, this seems obvious- but there’s always someone asking to borrow something to write with on the first day. Don’t let it be you!

Q - Quiz
Quizzes sometimes are a surprise, which means you don’t get any study time. To ensure you are ready for any pop quiz, study your work throughout the semester. Reference your flashcards and notes from class to ensure yourself  high marks!

R - Relax
This is super important! School can be hectic, and while it’s very important to get good grades, your mental health is just as important. Schedule self care breaks often to treat yourself for working so hard.

S - Syllabus
Keep your class’  syllabi somewhere safe where you can easily reference later in the semester. They come in handy when you’re unsure of an assignment or class protocol.

T - Theme Party
School isn’t just about learning- it’s also a great place to make friends. Consider throwing a party to celebrate the end of summer with your classmates. Any reason to celebrate is good enough for us. 

U - University
Start thinking about what college you might want to attend and do your research. If you’re already in college, consider thinking about other schools if you’re interested in getting your Master’s, Bachelor’s, or Doctorate degree. It’s never too early to start looking.

V - Vaccinations
Many colleges require you to be fully vaccinated before living on campus, so make sure to look up your schools protocols before move-in day.

W - Wall
Decorate a wall in your room with a school calendar, photos of friends, school mascot posters, etc. to get festive for the new school year.

X - “Xtra”Credit
Take advantage of extra credit opportunities whenever you get them. It just might be the difference between a B and an A!

Y - Yearbook
Take time to take pictures and make lasting memories while you’re in school. Even if you don’t buy an official yearbook, you can use your social media accounts as your own personal yearbook- documenting all the exciting things that happen during the school year. For example, football games, homecoming, prom, spirit week, field trips, graduation etc.

Z - Zzzz’s
Remember to get those 8 hours every night! They are super important for productivity during the school day. If you’re having trouble falling asleep earlier, try to not use your phone before bed. Electronic light stimulates your brain and keeps you awake longer.

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